what is a technical coordinator?
As a technical coordinator, you handle the technical aspects of a project or monitor technical activities in a company. If the computer systems and equipment need repairs or troubleshooting, you complete the repairs or supervise troubleshooting activities. You also provide basic administrative support to project coordinators, like handling routine paperwork and data entry.
what does a technical coordinator do?
Technology coordinators usually work in different business sectors, from IT consultancies to marketing and production companies. Some technical coordinators are employed in the construction industry. Their role is to deal with the technical aspects of a construction project. For instance, they handle inquiries and create or interpret technical diagrams, plans and paperwork. They also draw up delivery schedules for construction materials and complete project administration duties.
The role of a technical coordinator requires a background in administrative support to handle admin tasks. You need to be tech-savvy to understand computer systems and troubleshooting options. The role also requires you to be highly organised with attention to detail since you monitor many technical activities.
Would working as a technical coordinator suit your tech-savvy skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a technical coordinator role.
average salary of a technical coordinator
According to ONS, the median compensation package of a technical coordinator is £35,000 per year. Entry-level positions in the role attract a salary of £26,000 annually, while technical coordinators with years of experience take home around £52,500 per year.
The salary ranges vary depending on the business sector. For instance, technical coordinators in construction have a salary structure of between £25,000 and £45,000 per year. You can also increase your salary prospects with bonuses and overtime pay.
ways to boost your salary as a technical coordinator
To increase your salary prospects, you should improve your skills and experience. When you have high academic qualifications, you can take on complex roles, which increases your salary prospects. The skills and value you add to the company also determine your pay structure. When you bring valuable skills, your salary will have an upward trajectory.
External factors like the location, company size and business sector can also affect your salary prospects. Some urban locations have a high cost of living and high demand for technical coordinators, which raises the compensation package. Different sectors have unique roles for technical coordinators, and the salary ranges may be higher or lower. For instance, construction companies have a lower salary range than IT consultancy firms.
types of technical coordinators
Some types of technical coordinators include:
- construction technical coordinator: as a technical coordinator in the construction industry, you handle inquiries and draw technical diagrams. You also help other workers interpret blueprints and prepare delivery schedules. Sometimes, your role involves project administration duties.
- engineering technical coordinator: as an engineering technical coordinator, you work in manufacturing and production industries to coordinate various project processes. You also help workers with technical functions like interpreting technical drawings and organising work schedules.
- technology coordinator: as a technical coordinator, you manage troubleshooting functions and oversee teams that set up the communication equipment. You also assign duties to other technical assistants and ensure the roles are accomplished on time.
working as a technical coordinator
Working as a technical coordinator involves managing various activities concerning the maintenance and repair of computer systems. You also coordinate project activities in various departments.
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technical coordinator job description
Specific duties of a technical coordinator depend on the business sector. However, typical responsibilities include:
- liaising with senior management: as a technical coordinator, you assist the upper management with the development of technology plans for the organisation. That means you have to assess new technologies and advice the company on the best options for business growth. When you create a plan, you look for vendors to acquire the resources for building and implementing it.
- generating budgets for projects: as a technical coordinator, you determine the financial resources a company needs to implement technological plans. Aside from preparing budgets, you also conduct cost and benefits analysis of the technical plans to ensure the organisation benefits from implementation. That means you have to conduct product research.
- managing technical activities: technical coordinators assign tasks to technical staff. Your job is to ensure the work is completed on time. If the team is working on installation or repairs, you provide guidance and improve your team's efficiency. You also recommend the simplest process of handling tasks and ensure the technical staff sticks to industry regulations.
- handling inquiries: as a technical coordinator, you handle inquiries from clients and other workers. Your job is to help clients understand technical processes. If they need clarifications on the blueprints, you can explain and help them interpret the technical drawings.
- maintaining a good working relationship with contractors: as a technical coordinator, you organise a project's acquisition and delivery of supplies. To ensure the project runs smoothly, you need to maintain a good working relationship with the contractors and vendors. Any miscommunication can lead to delays and disrupt the construction projects or production.
- writing reports: as a technical coordinator, you also do a few administrative tasks like writing reports and preparing work schedules. Sometimes, your role involves bookkeeping, especially in small projects with limited resources.
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work environment
A technical coordinator works in various industries, from construction to manufacturing and information technology companies. The typical work environment of a technical coordinator in the IT industry is an indoor office setting. You spend most of the day reviewing computer systems and managing employees in an office. In the manufacturing industry, you work indoors, but the manufacturing or production floor is surrounded by heavy equipment and machines. You will spend hours indoors in climate-controlled environments. Technical coordinators work indoors in the construction industry, but they also work outdoors to inspect project progress.
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who are your colleagues?
As a technical coordinator, your colleagues might include IT assistants, programme coordinators, project managers and contract managers. You may also work alongside accountants and office administrators, as well as other specialists that can include system administrators, system analysts and IT administrators.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a technical coordinator depends on the industry. For instance, in the IT industry, you may work shifts to coordinate technical assistants throughout the day and night as they maintain the computer systems. That means you may work early morning and late-night shifts. When troubleshooting or installing new computer systems, you have to work during public holidays or weekends to avoid disrupting work schedules with the installations. In construction, you only work during the day, with your workdays starting as early as 6 am to 6 pm. Part-time opportunities are available in the IT sector but are rare in construction industries.
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job outlook
Technical coordinators play a crucial role in managing various projects and ensuring the IT staff works as expected. You can progress to project coordinator or project manager roles. You can improve your qualifications and become a quantity surveyor or contracts manager in the construction industry. With your specialisation in managing activities, you can even become a contractor. Some technical coordinators become consultants or open call centres and IT consultancy companies.
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advantages of finding a technical coordinator job through randstad
Finding your technical coordinator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a technical coordinator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You can become a technical coordinator through the following routes:
- university: you need to complete a bachelor's or higher national diploma in a relevant field. For instance, engineering consultancy firms hire technical coordinators with an engineering degree or closely related fields like applied science. In construction, you need knowledge in building studies, civil engineering or site management.
- college: you should find diploma courses in your relevant field of choice like building studies or business information technology. You can also combine your coursework with apprenticeship programmes like a higher apprenticeship in construction management.
- work experience: to get a job as a technical coordinator, you need a few years of work experience. You can gain work experience through internship programmes and voluntary work. Even working as an entry-level technical assistant improves your skills.
skills and competencies
As a technical coordinator, you need the following skills:
- attentiveness to details: as a technical coordinator, you handle complex tasks that require attention to detail. For instance, you should avoid making mistakes when drawing blueprints or helping other workers interpret the technical drawings. You also need to be attentive during troubleshooting and installation to avoid damaging the computer systems.
- analytical skills: as a technical coordinator, you conduct extensive market research to analyse vendors and technology plans. You also need analytical skills to review technological products and pick the best reviews.
- administrative skills: as a technical coordinator, your job involves administrative duties like budgeting, preparing work schedules and some bookkeeping roles. You need administrative skills to prepare reports and handle other office tasks.
- interpersonal skills: as a technical coordinator, you should communicate effectively with people and work with various groups. Interpersonal skills help you become a good listener and deliver instructions clearly to workers. Communication skills also help you maintain a good relationship with vendors and contractors.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a technical coordinator
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what do technology coordinators do?
Technical coordinators manage activities in IT companies or construction companies. They also complete administrative tasks like budgeting and preparing work schedules for various projects in the company.
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what are the duties and responsibilities of a coordinator?
A coordinator helps oversee the successful completion of projects. They manage a team of support staff working on the projects and check the progress.
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what skills do you need to be a coordinator?
A coordinator needs verbal and written communication skills to relate with others. You also need problem-solving skills to troubleshoot problems and ensure the project is completed within the deadline.
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how do I become an IT coordinator?
You can become an IT coordinator by completing a course in business information technology or computer science. You also need work experience in entry-level IT jobs.
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what is an IT coordinator?
An IT coordinator ensures the installation of computer systems is done appropriately. They also troubleshoot problems in computer systems and liaise with upper management on the technological products to boost business processes.
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how do I apply for a technical coordinator vacancy?
Applying for a technical coordinator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
